element14 has teamed up with Microchip and Matrix to introduce the new PIC18 Flowcode Developers Kit. This innovative development and demonstration kit is designed to offer a hands-on, easy approach to electronics design using Flowcode, one of the world’s most advanced graphical programming languages for microcontrollers.

The development platform is based on a Microchip PIC18F26J50 low power, 8-bit PIC18F26J50 microcontroller, and is integrated with temperature sensor, capacitor touch sensor and potentiometer to help developers verify programs designed using Flowcode.

“The new PIC18 Flowcode Developers Kit is an innovative, fully featured yet low cost solution designed to help developers realise their designs in working hardware,” says Mike Powell, Technology Development Manager, Premier Farnell. “Optimised for Flowcode development, the board has several expansion options, it can be used as a black box and is mounted with a PIC 18 device that is low power, but high performance.

The competitive advantage of Flowcode is that it allows those with little-to-no programming experience to create electronic systems in minutes. Flowcode supports code generation for the PIC® (PIC12, PIC16, and PIC18 series ), PIC24 and dsPIC® series of microcontrollers. The professional edition includes drivers for a range of sub-systems including LCDs, keypads, seven-segment displays, ADC and PWM, as well as communication protocols including I2C, SPI, RS-232RS-232, Zigbee and TCP/IP, among others.

Flowcode is compatible with Microchip’s PICkit programmer as well as third party programmers. It is also compatible with the HI-TECH C compiler. A ‘Lite’ version of Flowcode 4 is included in the kit.

For more information visit element14.

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Targeted at 10/100 Ethernet applications, the new PIC32 Multimedia Developers Kit from element14, the first collaborative global electronics community from Premier Farnell plc (LSE:pfl), and Microchip, offers comprehensive design software support for rapid evaluation and engineering development projects. Available to element14 customers from 23 January, the new development kit is offered at an exclusive price for a two month period.

Optimised for multimedia applications such as audio, graphics and touch screen development, the kit features a PIC32 Ethernet Starter Kit and Multimedia Expansion Board (MEB). By inserting the Starter Kit into the MEB a powerful development tool is created with extra functionality provided by a PICTail™ socket that offers access to additional I/O. A free-to-download version of Microchip’s MPLAB PIC32 C compiler provides code development support.

“The combination of the PIC32 Ethernet Starter Kit and MEB at this special price provides a low risk/ yet powerful platform for engineers of all grades to rapidly evaluate the potential of Microchip’s PIC32 MCUs”, said Mike McGlade Channel Manager for Microchip. “Microchip welcomes the development of this kit.”

Ethernet-based projects will be up and running in no time using the combination of PIC32 Ethernet Starter Kit and Microchip’s free TCP/IP software. Among its many features, the PIC32 has an available CAN 2.0b peripheral and USB host/device/OTG, while the Ethernet Starter Kit offers a form factor and expansion connector that is compatible with other PIC32 starter kits.

There are also several notable features of the Multimedia Expansion Board, which provides PIC32 starter kit users with an integrated yet flexible solution for the development of high impact user interfaces. The board comes with a 3.2 Colour TFT touch-screen QVGA display, onboard FCC certified WiFi module, 24-bit stereo audio code, three-axis accelerometer, joystick and MicroSD memory card slot. Simply connect the PIC32 Ethernet Starter Kit to the Multimedia Expansion Board and it’s possible to commence developing, programming and debugging code for the user interface features.

Further information can be found at element14.com

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Largest stocked analogue product portfolio in Europe provides wide choice to customers with 24/7 technical support and next-day delivery

Farnell, the leading multi-channel distributor, has added 800 new analogue products from Microchip Technology to its portfolio, making it the first European distributor to have the largest stock of the new products in Europe.

Customers now have access to the latest analogue range, which includes low power op amps, low voltage boost switching regulators and delta sigma A/D converters.

Analogue products are used as connection between the digital world to the real world which is analogue. Products involved are power management like switching voltage converter and linear regulators, supervisor ICs and mixed signal products amplifiers, data converters, sensors, digital potentiometers.

Through its industry-leading websites featuring tools such as Live Chat, and easily accessible data sheets, Farnell is able to support its electronics design engineering customers with information and ideas to help them select the most appropriate components and devices for their new designs. The element14 online engineering community provides a unique additional resource. Further information about the Microchip analogue range can be found by clicking here.

Farnell Europe’s Head of Semiconductors, Passives and Optoelectronics (SEPO) Product & Supplier management, Richard Curtin, said: “Being the first distributor to stock the largest analogue product range from Microchip reiterates how Farnell and element14 are leading technology in the electronics sector. By working with us, design engineers across the globe can be confident that they are getting access to the very latest technology from industry-leading suppliers for their new designs.”

“Microchip has seen significant sales growth from its Analogue & Interface Product Division over recent years. Farnell’s marketing skills plus the increased analogue portfolio will help generate and support many new designs,” added Mike McGlade, Sales Channel Manager, Microchip.

Cost-effective, flexible and innovative development solutions from Microchip enhance element14’s unrivalled product portfolio of electronic-design centric products in Asia Pacific

element14, formally Farnell, the industry’s first fusion of commerce and community supporting millions of engineers and purchasing professionals worldwide, today announced the latest additions of cost-effective and versatile development kits from Microchip to its growing inventory of over 120,000 unique components.

Innovative platform for development evaluation for APAC electronic design engineers
Touch sensing technologies today have become a standard in a burgeoning number of high-in-demand consumer electronics from mobile phones to computer screens and GPS devices; electronic design engineers today need innovative development solutions that have extensive capabilities to keep pace with the ever-changing demands. element14 has strengthened its partnership with Microchip by offering the latest, cutting-edge development solutions to empower electronic design engineers across Asia Pacific with state-of-the-art technology to meet their constantly evolving design needs.

Serving as the cornerstone for the PIC24FJ256DA210 family, the PIC24FJ256DA210 Microchip Development Kit is a low cost, yet highly flexible platform that allows design engineers to evaluate the features and performance of the series with integrated graphics, USB and mTouch™.

The mTouch series, which allows electronic design engineers to analyse and adjust their designs’ touch sensing functions, is the newest additions from Microchip to element14’s expansive product inventory. The varied functionalities of these kits ensure that they will be able to support a multitude of requirements.

The mTouch AR1000, which features an AR1000 development board and PICkit™ Serial Analyzer, is another easy-to-operate and affordable tool for designers who intend to start on AR1000 resistive touch screen controllers. For design engineers who require the ability to easily adjust critical parameters in their design, they will now have at their disposal the mTouch Projected Capacitive Development Kit using the integrated Graphical User Interface (GUI) tool. Finally, the enhanced mTouch Capacitive Touch Evaluation Kit’s Diagnostic Tool allows users to analyse application-critical information in real-time as it relates to touch sensor behaviour.

The last of these latest additions is the Multimedia Expansion Board, which provides design engineers with a highly adaptive and comprehensive solution for the development of high impact User Interfaces. Electronic design engineers can easily utilize this kit to connect to any PIC32 Starter Kit, and from there develop, program and debug their designs in a hassle-free manner.

Customers will be able to enjoy an unrivalled purchase and support experience through element14’s unique offering. Customers can purchase with ease and flexibility via multiple channels with no minimum quantity or value, and next day delivery. 24/7 customer service telephone support and 24/5 online technical support in local languages is also available. In addition, customers can also visit and engage with the element14 online community to research, consult industry experts, and collaborate with design engineers and electronics enthusiasts around the globe.

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Microchip Technology announces the new MRF89XA transceiver with extremely low receive current of 3mA for longer battery life in 868, 915 and 950MHz Sub-GHz wireless networks. The transceiver and modules are available at distributor Rutronik now.

The 868 MHz MRF89XAM8A and 915 MHz MRF89XAM9A transceiver modules accelerate design cycles by removing the complexity of designing RF circuitry and the cost of obtaining agency certification. The Sub-GHz frequency bands are sometimes preferred by designers for a broad range of battery-powered wireless sensor networks and metering communications.

In addition, the MRF89XA transceiver and modules integrate a 12.5dBm Power Amplifier for long transmission distances and a Low Noise Amplifier for -113dBm enhanced receive sensitivity. To ease communication and further prolong battery life, the MRF89XA combines an integrated packet handler with a 64-byte FIFO for transmit and receive buffering. The new MRF89XA transceiver and modules are ideal for low-power wireless sensor and metering communication.

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Microstick for dsPIC33F & PIC24H Provides Small Size and Integrated Programmer/Debugger

Farnell, the leading multi-channel distributor, is the first European distributor to stock the new Microstick for dsPIC33F and PIC24H development board, which provides a complete, low-cost solution for designing with Microchip’s 16-bit PIC24H microcontrollers and dsPIC33F Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs), in a compact 20×76 mm footprint. The low-cost Microstick offers an integrated USB programmer/debugger, which shortens learning curves. For maximum flexibility, the Microstick can be used stand-alone or plugged into a prototyping board.

Many engineers, educators, students and hobbyists need a low-cost solution for working with and debugging code on 16-bit microcontrollers and DSCs. In addition to its other benefits, the Microstick is populated with a socketed microcontroller that can be easily swapped out. The Microstick works with the PIC24HJ64GP502, which is the highest performance 16-bit MCU in the industry, and the dsPIC33FJ64MC802 DSC, which seamlessly blends DSP and MCU resources into a single architecture. Software support includes the same free MPLAB® Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and software libraries that work with all of Microchip’s 8/16/32-bit PIC® microcontrollers and DSCs. Additionally, the dsPIC33F DSCs are supported by the free demo version of Microchip’s Device Blocksets for the MATLAB® language and Simulink® environment, which work seamlessly within the MPLAB IDE.

This combination of low-cost tools and free software provides an industry-leading platform for experimentation and development of smart-sensor and a host of other embedded-control applications.

Through its industry-leading websites featuring tools such as Live Chat, and easily accessible data sheets, Farnell is able to support its electronics design engineering customers with information and ideas to help them select the most appropriate components and devices for their new designs. The element14 online engineering community provides a unique additional resource. Further information about the Microstick for dsPIC33F and PIC24H development board can be found at http://www.element-14.com/community/docs/DOC-23484.

Farnell’s Director of Supplier & Product Management, Mike Buffham said: “Being the first distributor to stock Microchip’s Development Board underlines how Farnell and element14 are leading technology in the electronics sector. By working with us, design engineers across the globe can be confident that they are getting access to the very latest technology from industry-leading suppliers for their new designs.”

“Microstick is great for anyone who needs a complete, low-cost development solution for working with the highest performing 16-bit microcontrollers available,” said Derek Carlson, vice president of Microchip’s Development Tools Group. “Our team worked with university professors to ensure that this board fits nicely into their curricula, but the benefits of this platform extend to a broad range of designers who want get started with embedded development.”

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RS Hosting Microchip Desginer’s Forum

RS Components is hosting Microchip’s Worldwide Embedded Designer’s Forum on 3rd November 2009 at its Bristol Trade Counter, and on 5th November 2009 at its offices in Corby.

The Microchip Worldwide Embedded Designer’s Forum is a series of one-day technical training events for hardware and software engineers to demonstrate Microchip’s commitment to helping them meet their needs through its continued development of innovative products and technologies.

There will be six focused sessions at each event, designed to give engineers the tools and knowledge needed to take their designs to the next level and help stay ahead in today’s competitive environment.

Delegates will learn about the latest technologies to enhance their next design through lectures and demonstrations led by Microchip’s expert staff. Sessions will be packed with practical information and advice on how to achieve the lowest power consumption, add a more stylish user interface, run more complex software, add USB connectivity and save money on development and system BOM cost.

Hardware and Software Engineers, Engineering Managers and Technical Purchasers with or without pre-knowledge of Microchip products will benefit from this Forum. The cost of attendance is £50, and includes a choice of free Microchip development kit and refreshments throughout the day.

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Mouser Electronics Official Sponsor of Microchip Technology’s MASTERs 2009 Embedded Control Conference

Mouser Electronics, Inc., known for its rapid introduction of the newest products, today announced it is an official sponsor of Microchip Technology’s 13th Annual MASTERs 2009 Worldwide Conference for Embedded Control Engineers. Throughout the world, Microchip Technology is a leading supplier of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, as well as embedded solutions.

The Conference, in Phoenix, Arizona July 27 to August 1, 2009, is devoted to technical training for embedded systems design engineers, from the novice to the expert. Designers and managers learn about solutions by interfacing directly with Microchip architects and developers, subject-matter experts, technical partners, third parties, distributor FAEs, and academia. Topics presented cover a broad range of subjects, from board layout topologies to real-world reference designs and embedded applications.

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Microchip selects RS Components as supplier for product samples

Microchip, the leading supplier of microcontroller semiconductors, has selected RS Components as a recommended distributor for customers using its website, www.microchip.com, that want to place low volume orders of its devices. From now on electronics design engineers will be given the option to place their orders through RS by following direct links from the Microchip website to rswww.com.

Microchip has set up a dedicated area on its website to give customers the option of buying the components they need from RS. Customers ordering from RS benefit from same-day despatch from stock, ensuring minimum delay when working on new designs. This fast and reliable delivery allows companies to design, produce and market new innovations quickly, helping them improve their position in a competitive market-place. As well as stocking a broad profile of Microchip microcontrollers, RS also offers a wide range of the company’s development kits, providing engineers with access to complete design solutions.

Selling components through a web-focussed high-service-level distributor offers another clear advantage: RS reaches a wide variety of individual customers, something that is not cost-efficient for large manufacturers that are set up to supply large volumes. For Microchip, web distribution offers an ideal route to these individual customers.

In addition to Microchip, RS already works with several other manufacturers including Osram Opto-Semiconductor, Tyco Electronics, AVX, Radiall, Honeywell, Enfis and Crydom – whose websites all have direct links to rswww.com. Paul Webster, Head of Electronics Product Management at RS is delighted with this development: “Microchip’s decision is further recognition of the excellent service package offered to electronic design engineers by RS. It is a real accolade when a leading manufacturer such as Microchip chooses RS as a primary distribution channel. Our e-commerce capability continues to be a significant factor in the development of our relationship with suppliers.”

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Industry-leading power-efficiency enabling ecological design

RS Components is pleased to announce the further expansion of its Energy-Efficient Solutions range and its launch into additional European markets.

The latest products include power-supply switcher ICs, microcontrollers with NanoWatt technology from Microchip and AMOLED displays, which can reduce the overall energy consumption of an end-product by up to 90% in comparison with conventional designs.

Following the success of this range in the UK, France, Germany and Italy, RS is launching the Energy-Efficiency Solutions range across Spain, Austria, Scandinavia and Ireland.

“We are committed to developing our Energy-Efficient Solutions range to help our customers adopt next-generation technologies which dramatically reduce energy consumption, drive cost-savings and help achieve a low-carbon economy,” explained Chris Page, General Manager of Electronics at RS.

Consumers worldwide now demand products with a lower cost of ownership, extended lifetime and smaller carbon footprint, and engineers are focusing on reducing the power their designs consume. The Energy-Efficient Solutions range allows design engineers to select from over 2,000 of the latest products with best-in-class power-efficiency. By providing all the latest systems, modules and components for a complete solution in one place, RS is helping engineers increase the speed of their designs to market.

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